Parramatta Women’s Shelter to help families escaping domestic violence
Families escaping domestic violence will soon be welcomed into a “cosy’’ shelter with “a lovely family setting”.
Parramatta
Don't miss out on the headlines from Parramatta . Followed categories will be added to My News.
Families escaping domestic violence will find solace at the soon-to-be-opened Parramatta Women’s Shelter for those in crisis.
Short-term accommodation and counselling support for three families will be provided at the eight-bedroom shelter.
PAYCE Foundation, the philanthropic arm of property company PAYCE, backed the
project by donating the use of two houses.
Parramatta Women’s Shelter chairwoman Liz Scully said the donation made the
project viable, with the service costing more than $440,000 to run each year.
“What we know about women seeking accommodation in Australia is one in two women are turned away. There’s a huge amount of need,’’ she said.
She said there was 56 000 homeless women in Australia every night and domestic and family violence was the main reason for women’s homelessness.
It is also the leading preventable cause of death and injury for women aged between 15 and 44.
The cosy house is decked out with quilts and blankets donated by charities and OLMC Parramatta students.
“We have the chance help change the lives of the Parramatta’s most vulnerable
women and children,” principal Stephen Walsh said.
Ms Scully described the shelter as a “lovely family setting”.
“We know that people staying there have experienced trauma so we want it to be a warm, safe place where they feel comfortable and have what they need to feel comfortable in their lives and find relief and peace,’’ she said.
Women’s Community Shelters CEO Annabelle Daniel said the demand for crisis accommodation outstripped supply, with women turned away every night in Australia.
“It is vital that women and children who have been exposed to domestic violence have a
safe place to rebuild their lives,” Ms Daniel said.
“It is a long journey but a safe place to stay and support from qualified case workers to help
navigate the pathway ahead, is the first important step.’’
Parramatta is the seventh community shelter established in Sydney under the model developed by Women’s Community Shelters.
● A high-tea to raise funds for Parramatta Women’s Shelter will be held at Lachlan’s Old Government House on Sunday from 1-3pm.
Tickets start from $80. Details: events.humantix.com.au/pws-hightea
IN OTHER NEWS
